SEND Teaching Assistant - Primary School
Location: Bushey, Hertfordshire
Job Type: Temporary / Supply Opportunities
We are working with a welcoming and highly specialist primary school in Bushey supporting children aged 3-11 with a range of physical, neurological and developmental needs.
The school provides a nurturing and highly individualised learning environment, supporting pupils to develop their communication, independence, confidence and life skills. We are looking for caring, patient and adaptable SEND Teaching Assistants to join the school's support team on a supply basis.
The Role
As a SEND Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and other professionals to provide tailored support to pupils both within the classroom and on a 1:1 basis.
Your responsibilities may include:
- Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with additional needs.
- Supporting pupils with physical, neurological, developmental and communication needs.
- Encouraging independence, confidence and participation in learning and daily activities.
- Supporting communication through appropriate strategies and individual communication systems.
- Helping pupils access differentiated, sensory and practical learning activities.
- Supporting personal care, including toileting, changing and feeding, where required.
- Following individual care plans, risk assessments, behaviour plans and medical procedures.
- Supporting pupils with sensory regulation and emotional wellbeing.
- Maintaining a safe, inclusive and stimulating learning environment.
- Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists, medical professionals and families.
- Observing pupils and communicating relevant information to the wider team.
- Following safeguarding procedures and promoting the welfare of every pupil.
What We're Looking For
Essential
- Previous experience working with children or young people, ideally within an education, childcare, care or support setting (at least 3 months in the UK
- Experience supporting children with additional needs, whether in a specialist or mainstream environment.
- A genuine willingness to support pupils with personal care and physical needs, including toileting, changing and feeding where required.
- Ability to follow individual care plans, risk assessments, safeguarding procedures and medical guidance accurately.
- A strong understanding of professional boundaries and the importance of maintaining pupil safety and wellbeing.
- Ability to support children who may have different or non-verbal communication needs.
- Patience, calmness and adaptability when responding to different pupil needs and situations.
Desirable Specialist Experience
Experience or training in any of the following would be advantageous:
- Physical disabilities or mobility needs.
- Complex medical needs, including epilepsy.
- Moving and handling.
- PECS, AAC, Makaton or other alternative communication systems.
- Sensory needs and sensory regulation.
- Positive behaviour support.
- Working within a specialist or SEND school/provision.
- Working alongside therapists, nurses or other multidisciplinary professionals.
Specialist experience is not essential for every position. We are also keen to hear from experienced mainstream Teaching Assistants, nursery practitioners, childcare professionals and care/support workers who have strong transferable skills and a genuine interest in developing their career within specialist SEND education.
The Ideal Candidate
Above all, we are looking for someone who is warm, dependable, patient and emotionally resilient.
You should genuinely enjoy helping children make progress and understand that every pupil's journey is different. You will be someone who can celebrate small steps, build positive relationships and remain calm and supportive when faced with challenges.
If you are passionate about making a meaningful difference to children with additional needs and want to develop your career within specialist education, we would love to hear from you.
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SEND Teaching Assistant - Immediate Start in Bushey employer: Envision Education
Envision Education is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the growth and development of its staff. Located in St Albans, this role as a SEND Support Assistant provides unique opportunities to make a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with diverse needs, while benefiting from ongoing professional development and a collaborative team environment.
